Rushing to class, you hurry to open the door. You know someone is walking behind you, and you know holding the door for them would take approximately 4 seconds. Maybe 5 seconds. Instead, you barge ahead, hearing the door slam shut on the person only a few footsteps away. You arrive at your class on time and spend no more time thinking about what occurred in the doorway.
But, what if you had held the door for that person?
As a cadet, I know just how busy one day can become. There certainly were times when I did not hold a door for someone simply because I was in a rush. However, I have realized that these seemingly mundane daily interactions with others are not innocuous at all. I think back to a time when someone held the door for me -- when I was in a rush -- and how that kind act put a pep in my step and encouraged me to hold the door for the next person.
The Academy teaches us, as cadets, the importance of concern and respect for others. Here are a few ways to exemplify respect in everyday life:
1. Say a quick "hello"
Fourth-class cadets at the Academy are required to verbally acknowledge all upperclassmen when in common settings, a tradition rooted in respect and pride. This tradition can remind us that saying a simple "hello" or even flashing a smile at someone walking down your hallway at work or school can be all that is needed to brighten that someone's day.
2. Remember details
Knowing that someone cares feels really good. Show your concern for others by taking a mental note of important experiences, ideas, or people that they mention, and remember to check in on those details at later times.
3. Lend a hand
Maybe you see someone struggling to carry boxes up the stairs, or maybe a friend needs help changing the oil in a car. While lending a hand may seem like a common courtesy, ignoring the situation or person in need has become very easy in our fast-paced world. Lending a hand demonstrates concern and inspire others to "pay it forward."
4. Speak up
Speaking up in a respectful manner is important -- if not for yourself, then for others. Whether you have an idea in a group discussion or want to voice a concern about the way something is being addressed, you are exemplifying leadership by putting your ideas out there, which will benefit others who feel the same way but have not spoken up themselves.
5. Hold that door
Sometimes you may not know who or what is on the other side of the door, but you do know that taking a few extra seconds to hold the door for the person behind you can be all they need for a better day.
